A crime is any behaviour or act that is against the law and may result in punishment.
Serious crimes include murder, assault, sexual assault, property damage or theft, armed robbery, having sexual relations with children or young people who are below the legal age of consent, driving dangerously, possession, use or sale of illegal drugs, and fraud. It is a serious offence to bribe (offer money to) or attempt to bribe an official, such as a police officer or a federal, state or local government employee. Offering gifts or bribes to influence the decisions of public officials is illegal and will be reported.
Owning or carrying weapons, such as guns, without a licence is illegal. Most states and territories have restrictions on carrying other potential weapons in public, such as knives.
In an emergency or if you or someone is in immediate danger, telephone 000 and ask for “Police”. See Chapter 2, Get Help.
If you have seen a crime or if you have information that may help police solve or prevent a crime, you should contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000. You do not have to give your name.
Violence
Violence towards another person is illegal in Australia and is regarded as a serious crime. A person who commits violent crimes can go to jail, whether they are a man or a woman.
Various services exist to support victims of crime or violence, including violence in the home (domestic and family violence).
Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault
Domestic and family violence includes behaviour or threats that aim to control a partner or other family member by causing fear or threatening their safety. Domestic and family violence is against the law in Australia. It can include:
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hitting, choking or hurting the family member or partner
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denying essential money to the family member or partner
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isolating the partner from friends and family
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constantly insulting or criticising the partner
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threatening children or pets.
Sexual assault is sexual behaviour directed towards another person without their consent. Sexual assault includes:
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forcing anyone to have sex or perform sexual acts
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forcing anyone to watch pornography
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having sex or performing sexual acts with a child.
In Australia, it is against the law to sexually assault anyone. A person who commits sexual assault can go to jail, whether they are a man or a woman. Sexual assault between people in a relationship, marriage or family is also against the law.
Women have the same rights as men. Australian laws treat women and men equally. Everyone has the right to live free from violence, in a happy relationship and community. Women do not have to accept being treated badly or harmed.
If you or someone you know is in danger, telephone 000 and ask for “Police”. Police in Australia are safe and can be trusted.
The Family Safety Pack helps you to understand your rights and where to get support if you need it. There are culturally sensitive counselling services in Australia and it is acceptable to ask them for help. The pack is available in a range of translated languages at www.dss.gov.au/family-safety-pack
1800 RESPECT provides free, confidential telephone and online counselling and information. Counsellors will listen to you, answer questions and can refer you to other support services in your local area. Call 1800 737 732 or go to www.1800respect.org.au
MensLine is a counselling service that assists men to manage family and relationship difficulties including issues of violence. Phone 1300 789 978 or go to www.mensline.org.au
If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) for free on 131 450. TIS National does not provide counselling but can help you to communicate with other services.
Region
|
Domestic and Family Violence Service
|
Telephone
|
National
|
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault - 24 Hour Help Lines or
www.1800respect.org.au
|
1800 200 526 or
1800 737 732
|
National
|
Child Abuse Prevention Service
- 24 Hour Help Line or www.childabuseprevention.com.au/reporting-abuse.html
|
1800 688 009
|
National
|
Mensline Australia - 24 Hour Help Line
www.mensline.org.au
|
1300 789 978
|
National
|
Men’s Referral Service
http://mrs.org.au
|
1300 766 491
|
ACT
|
Domestic Violence Crisis Line
http://dvcs.org.au
|
02 6280 0900
|
NSW
|
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service - Sydney Advice Line
www.wlsnsw.org.au/legal-services/domestic-violence-legal-service
|
02 8745 6999
|
|
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service - Free calls outside Sydney
|
1800 810 784
|
|
Community Services Domestic Violence Line
www.community.nsw.gov.au/parents,-carers-and-families/domestic-and-family-violence/domestic-violence-line
|
1800 656 463
|
NT
|
Crisis Line
www.ncsmc.org.au/wsas/resources/res_nt.htm
|
1800 019 116
|
|
Domestic Violence Counselling Service
www.dawnhouse.org.au/domestic-violence-counselling-service
|
08 8945 6200
|
Qld
|
Women’s Help Line
www.dvconnect.org/womensline
|
1800 811 811
|
|
Men’s Help Line
www.dvconnect.org/mensline/
|
1800 600 636
|
SA
|
Domestic Violence Crisis Services
www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/safety-at-home-and-in-the-community/domestic-violence
|
1300 782 200
|
|
Domestic Violence Help Line
www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/who-can-i-talk-to-about-domestic-family-violence-or-sexual-assault/south-australia-counselling-services/
|
1800 800 098
|
Tas.
|
Family Violence
www.dpac.tas.gov.au/safehomessafefamilies
|
1800 633 937
|
|
Response and Referral – Counselling and Support Service
www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/service_information/children_and_families/family_violence_counselling_and_support_service
|
1800 608 122
|
Vic.
|
Eastern Domestic Violence Service
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
http://edvos.org.au/what-we-do
|
03 9322 3555
|
|
Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service
www.iwss.org.au
|
1800 755 988
|
|
Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
|
03 9898 3145
|
|
Counselling and Support
www.safesteps.org.au
|
1800 015 188
|
|
Men’s Referral Service, Richmond,
Free call in Vic.
http://mrs.org.au/about
|
1800 065 973
|
|
Men’s Referral Service, Richmond,
Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm
|
03 9428 2899
|
WA
|
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service
www.dcp.wa.gov.au/CrisisAndEmergency/Pages/Women%27s-Domestic-Violence-Helpline.aspx
|
1800 007 339
|
|
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service
Calls from outside Perth
|
08 9223 1188
|
|
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline
www.dcp.wa.gov.au/CrisisAndEmergency/Pages/Men%27s-Domestic-Violence-Helpline.aspx
|
1800 000 599
|
You may need legal assistance to deal with domestic or family violence issues. For more information see the end of this chapter.
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